The Philadelphia 76ers head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers, closing out a five-game West Coast road trip. 

The 76ers have largely taken care of business throughout this West Coast swing, picking up victories over the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns. However, their final test comes against a tough Trail Blazers team that has been competitive throughout the 2025-26 season.

Portland has been a feisty team throughout the season, maintaining pace in a loaded Western Conference. More impressively, they are coming off a win against the Memphis Grizzlies and have been finding ways to win without All-Star Deni Avdija, who is currently sidelined with a lower back strain.

Both teams are looking to secure a win to build momentum heading into the All-Star break. Here are three keys to success for the 76ers to secure a victory tonight in Portland.

Joel Embiid has been phenomenal up to this point in the 2025-26 season, but he'll face a tough matchup with second-year center Donovan Clingan. Clingan has taken a noticeable leap in his second season, emerging as an elite-level rebounder and rim protector for the Trail Blazers. 

So far this season, he's averaging 11.4 points and 11.5 rebounds on 52% from the field. His emergence as a legit double-double threat, leading the league in the most 15+ rebound games,

For Philadelphia, keeping Clingan off the glass will be crucial.  That would limit second-chance opportunities and allow Embiid and the Sixers to dictate the game's tempo. 

With both Avdija (questionable) and Shaedon Sharpe alongside Damian Lillard ruled out for this matchup, the Trail Blazers will be forced to adopt a next-man-up approach as they search for an alternative primary scoring option. 

Fortunately, the Blazers boast a talented roster capable of stepping into larger roles. Jermani Grant remains a steady offensive threat for the Blazers so far this season. Jrue Holiday continues to be spectacular as he enters his twilight years in the NBA.  Scott Henderson, who returned from a torn left hamstring injury, had 11 points against the Grizzlies on Friday and will be looking to build consistency.

Both players are expected to lead the way in Avdija's absence. If the 76ers hope to secure a win, slowing down either Grant or Holiday would be a major priority.

The 76ers have found a lot of success this season, thanks in large part to the play of their two superstars. However, in games without Embiid, or when defenses focus on him heavily, the offense has often been Tyrese Maxey's show.

Tyrese Maxey has been stellar so far this season for the 76ers. The All-Star guard has speed and shot creation, which is essential to keep the offensive glow against a short-handed Trail Blazers team. 

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